admintheir first session following a one-week break after they returned from their camp in Europe.
The continental showcase gets under way in two weeks time.
The Zimbabwe senior women’s football team will play South Africa in their opening match on September 5 at the Maxaqene Stadium two days after the multi-sport event gets underway.
And, two days later, the Mighty Warriors will clash with Ghana before they complete their group stages programme against Tanzania on September 11.
The Mighty Warriors stepped up their preparations in the capital and are training twice a day in a schedule, which also includes gym, and swimming sessions.
The absence of two-time champions Nigeria at this year’s tournament, gives Banyana Banyana and Ghana hope that this is their chance to scoop gold in Maputo.
Banyana Banyana this weekend host Mozambique in an international friendly match in Atteridgeville in South Africa.
The hosts, Mozambique, were drawn in Group A alongside Cameroon, Guinea and Algeria.
South Africa are using the international match to prepare for next week’s crucial London 2012 Olympics last round qualifying match against Ethiopia at Orlando Stadium.
Zimbabwe gaffer Rose Mugadza is focused on her charges’ preparations.
“They haven’t lost much of the shape and we are working hard so that they maintain the fitness levels,” said Mugadza.
“We would be having a match after every two days but we are not worried because our fitness level has improved and in Germany we played a lot of matches in a few days and the girls showed they have the character to withstand the heat.
“We are going all out to do our best so that we qualify for the next round and winning our first match against South Africa would be a morale booster,” said Mugadza.
Zimbabwe have met South Africa and the Twiga Stars of Tanzania in the Cosafa Championships, which they won in the capital last month.
The Mighty Warriors beat Tanzania in a nail-biting semi-final encounter decided in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
In the final, the hosts beat neighbours South Africa 1-0 ending the dominance of Banyana Banyana in the region. Interestingly, Ghana have singled out Banyana Banyana as their toughest hurdle.
In an interview with Cafonline.com, Ghana assistant coach Ben Fokuo said they were ready for the showcase.
“We are ready for all the teams. Every team that has reached this far is eyeing the ultimate and we have to prepare feverishly to make a point at the tournament.
“South Africa are amongst the bigwigs of women’s football on the continent and always have a strong team. In 2007, they beat us 2-1 in the semi-final and that loss remains fresh in our minds,”
“We don’t know much about Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and cannot afford to underrate them either. There are always surprises in such tournaments and we will not make room for any surprises.”
“The first match is always important in every tournament. We will do our best in the opener and that will guide us on.”
“This is a perfect chance and we are hopeful that we can land the title. After beating Nigeria (in the qualifiers), the moral of the players is very high and are aiming at the ultimate.”
Ghana settled for bronze medal in the at last All-Africa Games in Algeria in 2007.
Squad
Goalkeepers
Onai Chingawo, Chido Dzingirai, Manyara Mandara.
Defenders
Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Eunice Chibanda, Nobuhle Majika, Ntombizodwa Sibanda, Danai Bhobho, Patience Mujuru.
Midfielders
Talent Mandaza, Marjoury Nyaumwe, Tsitsi Mairosi, Nokuthula Ndlovu, Violet Bepete, Emmaculate Msipa.
Strikers:
Rudo Neshamba, Erina Jeke, Kuda Basopo, Rufaro Machingura, Ntombiyelanga Ndlovu.
Online Reporter